Cost of Singing Hills project spiraling out of control

By Bill Krawietz :
January 25, 2012

I am often asked when is Walmart coming to Bulverde. The answer is I don't know. Nobody will say if Walmart has agreed to lease or purchase a pad site.

I talked with the developer of the 250-acre mixed-use Singing Hills development last week, which is located on the northwest corner of Hwy. 46 and U.S. 281.

I asked him if he could give me an update on the project and if he had commitments for any of the pad sites. His response was that those financially backing the project and potential clients do not know what their final cost will be. This question must be answered before any construction begins.

The cost of the infrastructure to build the water, sewer, roads and site work grading for the Singing Hills project is enormous.

The developer states the cost for the project has spiraled out of control. Acquisition of the property itself was at the height of the market before the economic crash. Difficulties in obtaining a water source and wastewater facilities have been overcome but at a price that is difficult to justify with land sale proceeds only.

Bulverde's Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the preliminary plat for the property at their last meeting. The preliminary plat basically shows roads and infrastructure but does not define lot lines. Only a small portion of the development is in the city of Bulverde and things look like they are moving forward.

The city is working on negotiating a development agreement with the developer. The developer states the similar agreements with Comal County and the Emergency Service District (ESD) must be forged to help share the cost.

All those involved still have many questions about that cost and the justification for giving some sort of tax break. The developer himself admits that he needs to provide much more definite figures. He has tasked a consultant to help with a presentation to give firm totals and information to support the claims.

He estimates that it will take another 30 days to put the “polishing touches” on the presentation.

I am looking forward to the presentation. I myself have a ton of questions that hopefully will be answered by it. With a project this size there is an “upset limit” or cost vs. benefit threshold. All those involved need to understand their commitment and what it will mean in the long run.

I assure the public that the city will analyze every aspect of the project. Such a large development has the potential to change the look of Bulverde. I will share more details as they develop.